Video Poker Strategy
In video poker you are playing a machine. The
machine is programmed to only payoff when a
player holds one of the posted hands.
Don't hold a kicker card (a high value card to be
used along with a pair) this works when playing
against other players but the machine doesn't care
and you have lost the opportunity to draw a better
card.
Don't draw to an inside straight (where you have
four cards and need one in the middle to fill a
straight).
If you have an open-ended straight (you have four
consecutive cards and only need one at either end
to fill a straight) then take a gamble at making the
straight..
Always keep any pair vs. holding a high card. Try for
three of a kind
Always keep a high pair vs. a four-card open
straight, a four-card flush or a three-card royal. Try
for three of a kind.
Always keep a low pair over a four-card open end
straight. The low pair has more value than going for
the straight.
A three-card royal should be kept over a low pair, a
four-card flush and a four card open end straight.
The bonus for the royal flush makes it a better play.
Don't be afraid to draw five cards if you have
garbage.
Cards in your hand
|
Draw
|
4 of a kind or better
|
0 cards
|
4 cards to a royal
|
1 card
|
Full house or flush
|
0 cards
|
3 of a kind
|
2 cards
|
4 card straight flush
|
1 card
|
Straight
|
0 cards
|
2 pair
|
1 card
|
High pair
|
3 cards
|
3 cards to the royal
|
2 cards
|
4 card flush
|
1 card
|
Low pair
|
3 cards
|
4 card straight
|
1 card
|
3 card straight flush
|
2 cards
|
2 high cards
|
3 cards
|
1 high card
|
4 cards
|
Garbage
|
5 cards
|
